Suriname Offshore: Gateway and Catalyst to a Golden Future

Amidst the transformative discoveries in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, Suriname’s deepwater frontier is rising in global significance. Strategically nestled within the Guiana-Suriname Basin, Suriname’s Blocks 58 and 52 showcase an equally prolific petroleum system, defined by world-class turbidite fans, robust charge models, and billion-barrel reserve potential.

This AI-drawn style sketch—while schematic and with minor errors —aims to visualize the seamless eastward continuation of the Golden Lane from Guyana’s Stabroek Block into Suriname’s deepwater acreage.

The prominent Krabdagu and Sapakara wells mark the outlines of the Gran Morgu Development Area, now poised for Suriname’s first ever FPSO development.

Following image of 2020 (Tullow Oil Plc.) displays the Guyana side of the basin, such as with the deep sea fans that host the major petroleum fields.

Block 58: The Flagship

Block 58, operated by TotalEnergies, with partners APA Corporation (Apache) and Staatsolie (SOM) following a 20% farm-in, contains the hallmark discoveries—Maka Central, Sapakara West, Kwaskwasi, Keskesi East, Krabdagu—across multiple stacked Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene turbidite systems.

These channel-lobe complexes mirror the Liza-Uaru stratigraphy just west of the maritime border with Guyana.

The Gran Morgu FPSO development will be based on this series of discoveries, and represents a pivotal moment for Suriname, set to transform its economy and national energy profile.

Block 52: The Sleeping Giant

Adjacent to Block 58 lies Block 52, operated by Petronas and ExxonMobil.

The Sloanea-1 well has confirmed working petroleum systems with future tieback or standalone development potential.

Block 52 is geologically linked to the same Guyanese Golden Lane deep-sea fans and to its western Block 58 neighbor, offering further prospectivity in both Paleocene and Santonian sequences.

Gran Morgu: Suriname’s First Offshore Development

The Gran Morgu FPSO is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

It will be the beating heart of Suriname’s inaugural offshore oil venture, turning resource into revenue and symbolizing Suriname’s emergence as a serious upstream player.

From capital investment to local jobs, infrastructure to sovereign wealth, the economic impact will be transformative.

It marks Suriname’s entrance into the offshore production club of South America.

Strategic and Economic Impact

• Establishes Suriname as a major offshore producer
• Drives job creation and national capacity-building
• Generates billions in foreign direct investment
• Boosts government revenues for sustainable development
• Strengthens energy cooperation with Guyana and CARICOM

“The fans discovered in Blocks 58 and 52 are more than just geological wonders, they are the foundation of Suriname’s energy independence and economic revitalization.”

Scientific and Industry References

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), “Assessment of Undiscovered Resources in the Guyana-Suriname Basin,” 2012
• ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Apache – Investor Reports and Well Results (2020–2024)
• Wood Mackenzie, Deepwater Latin America Outlook, 2023
• OilNow.gy, EnergyVoice, Upstream Online – Industry News, 2023–2025
• AAPG Bulletin, SPE Papers on Deepwater Fan Stratigraphy and Petroleum Systems

Note on the Illustration

This AI-rendered sketch is conceptual and for visualization purposes only.

Structural elements, scale, stratigraphy and license block boundaries are highly simplified and not representative of actual seismic interpretation or well logs.

I apologize for any schematic inaccuracies…Sorry but AI did not want yet to draw exactly what I had in mind and wished to see…

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Your Trusted Advisor: Marcel Chin-A-Lien

Petroleum and Energy Advisor
48 Years of Global, in-depth expertise, knowhow and insights

With a legacy of delivering billion-barrel discoveries, transformative ventures, and critical negotiations worldwide—from the Dutch North Sea to the heart of the former USSR—Marcel Chin-A-Lien offers unmatched strategic advisory rooted in deep technical and commercial integration.

His work has led to award-winning innovations, first-of-their-kind contracts, and long-term cash flow generation across complex jurisdictions. With four petroleum postgraduate degrees and fluency in seven languages, he brings both knowledge and cultural intelligence to every table.

“Exploration & Production integrated with Business & Commercial Development and Critical Insights.”

Credentials:

• Drs – Petroleum Geology
• Engineering Geologist – Petroleum Geology
• Executive MBA – International Petroleum Business & M&A
• MSc – International Management – Petroleum
• Certified Petroleum Geologist #5201 – AAPG
• Chartered European Geologist #92 – EFG
• Cambridge Award – “2000 Outstanding Scientists of the 20th Century”
• Paris Awards – “Innovative New Business Projects”, GDF-Suez, 2003

LinkedIn: Marcel Chin-A-Lien
Email: marcelchinalien@gmail.com